Ireland celebrated a landmark moment in its clean energy transition, with national solar capacity surpassing 2GW for the first time, it has been revealed. 

This milestone reflects the remarkable pace of growth in Ireland’s renewable energy sector. Since our first solar farm was energised in April 2022, national capacity has expanded to 2.1GW, supported by more than 155,000 rooftop installations across homes, farms and businesses.  

At its summer peak, solar supplied more than 21% of national electricity demand – equivalent to powering one in five light bulbs in Ireland. 

Darragh O’Brien energy and environment minister, said: "This is a milestone that every community in Ireland can share in. Solar energy is now part of daily life, powering homes, farms, and businesses across the country and helping to cut bills and emissions alike. Passing 2GW shows what’s possible when Government, system operators, and industry work together towards a shared goal. Ireland’s clean-energy future isn’t decades away – it’s happening now."

Integrate new renewable generation and modernise Ireland’s grid

John O’Connor, head of programme delivery at ESB Networks, noted the scale of the national effort to integrate new renewable generation and modernise Ireland’s grid: "ESB Networks is very proud that Ireland has reached this milestone. This really significant achievement reflects the collective efforts of domestic customers, large utility-scale developers, communities and the strong support of government in driving Ireland’s renewable energy transition.  

"This landmark achievement demonstrates the growing role of solar energy in Ireland’s journey towards a low-carbon future and supports the national target of sourcing 80% of electricity from renewables by 2030. The contribution of households installing rooftop solar and major renewable developers delivering large-scale projects has been instrumental in reaching this milestone.  

"The government’s commitment to renewable energy has been critical, providing policy certainty and financial support through initiatives such as the RESS and in the network via the PR5 and PR6 investment programmes. ESB Networks is committed to supporting Ireland’s transition to a clean electric future." 

Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, emphasised the collaboration and momentum driving the sector: "Crossing the 2GW mark is far more than a milestone; it’s evidence of a sector delivering real change at real scale. Ireland’s energy transition is no longer a future ambition, it’s happening now, powered by thousands of people and projects across the country.

"In just three years, we’ve more than doubled our solar capacity and built a foundation that supports jobs, communities, and energy security – and the momentum is only growing. Together with government, ESB Networks, EirGrid and our members, we’re driving towards 8GW and beyond, building an energy system that will define Ireland’s future."

This achievement positions Ireland among Europe’s fastest-growing solar markets, advancing progress toward the national target of 8GW by 2030. With more than 155,000 homes, businesses and communities already generating clean power, Ireland’s solar industry continues to deliver economic, environmental and social value nationwide.